A Kirtland's warbler / Ron Austing/U.S. Forest Service via AP

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Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

A mute swan / Regina H. Boone/Detroit Free Press

A great horned owl / Steve Jessmore/Saginaw News via AP

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WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF MICHIGAN BIRDS? Kirtland’s warblers; American robins; mallard ducks; black-capped chickadees; trumpeter, mute and tundra swans; ruffed and sharp-tailed grouses; wild turkeys, and great horned owls are among the hundreds of species you can find in the Wolverine State.

IS BIRD-WATCHING A BIG DEAL IN MICHIGAN? Yes. Because of where the state is located, millions of birds are overhead in the fall and spring as they bounce between warmer and colder climates. And you thought you had a tough commute.

WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THIS NOW? Blame Canada. As spring hits its stride in the Great White North and in northern Michigan, the birds leave South America to head back to North America. Michiganders who enjoy watching winged creatures of all sorts benefit from living in birdie flyover country.

I GET IT. IT’S SPRING. BUT WHY THIS WEEK? Saturday is International Migratory Bird Day in the U.S. and Canada. Here are some places that are celebrating: